Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon announced that 11 seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain vacant to remember the fans who lost their lives in a stampede after RCB’s title win last season. Players will wear jersey number 11 during practice matches and don black armbands throughout this season. This tribute is in memory of the 11 fans who tragically passed away on June 4 during the stampede outside the stadium.
Menon shared that the team will wear jersey number 11 not only during practice but also before matches as a mark of respect. Additionally, they will sport black armbands on match days. The franchise is planning to permanently keep 11 seats empty at Chinnaswamy Stadium in remembrance of the fans who lost their lives. These gestures aim to honor the memory of the fans who will always be cherished by the team.
In response to the tragic incident, Menon highlighted the safety measures being implemented this season and discussions on further support for the victims’ families. Following the stampede on June 4, 2025, during RCB’s celebrations, where 11 fans lost their lives and many were injured, the Karnataka government held RCB and others responsible for the lack of approvals and the ensuing chaos. RCB had previously announced compensation for the families of the deceased fans.
Chinnaswamy Stadium, which had not hosted RCB games since the incident, will now witness five matches, with two home games scheduled in Raipur as per the franchise’s plan. The team is committed to ensuring safety and honoring the memory of the fans who lost their lives in the unfortunate stampede.
